‘Heart: more than a beat’ has opened as the inaugural exhibition at Humanarium, the new café and free exhibition space at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The exhibition celebrates our extraordinary hearts, how they work and how we can keep them working better for longer.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Ireland, but many risks associated with heart disease are preventable. ‘Heart: more than a beat’ explores the science and stories behind every heartbeat.

The exhibition weaves evidence-based practice and cutting-edge research with human stories from patients, clinicians and researchers alike. Through interactive exhibits, artefacts and personal storytelling, visitors will discover what makes your heart tick, how to keep it strong and the remarkable ways that science and medicine can help it to heal.

Patient voices sit at the heart of the exhibition, with powerful first-hand accounts revealing the real-world impact of prevention and treatment. Through these stories, visitors gain insight into the lived experience of a range of cardiovascular issues, from heart attack to stroke.

Visitors will also hear directly from leading experts at the forefront of innovation in cardiac care, as they share how new treatments and technologies are transforming the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease.

Dr Alison Boyle, Director of Humanarium, said: “We are excited to launch ‘Heart: more than a beat’, the first exhibition at Humanarium. When it comes to our health, knowledge is power. ‘Heart: more than a beat’ shines a light on the stories of patients affected by cardiovascular conditions and experts who are finding innovative new ways to care for our hearts. We want to empower visitors with evidence-based knowledge from trusted sources. Please drop in to see the exhibition and learn about the extraordinary machine that is your heart.”

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to Humanarium for ‘Heart: more than a beat’. “Advances in clinical care and research are helping us care for our hearts in many different ways, and I’m excited that our visitors will have the opportunity to engage with these exciting innovations in cardiac care in such an engaging space.

“Through a rolling programme of free exhibitions and events exploring health sciences and medical research, Humanarium is a place for everyone to join conversations about how to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Professor O’Brien added: “Thank you to our partners Blackrock Health, AIB, Lanas and HSE Healthy Ireland for their support in our mission for Humanarium to make a meaningful difference to the health and well-being of the people of Ireland.”

The free exhibition is open to the public from 2pm on Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 118 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin D02 X0N1. Opening hours are from 7.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturdays 10am-3pm.

Visit humanarium.ie for more information and to sign up to be the first to hear about what’s happening at Humanarium. You can also follow @humanarium_rcsi on Instagram.